The commissioner of the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), Justice Tolla Thompson says the commission must be aware of every activity undertaken by political parties or by any affiliated body to political parties.
He made this statement yesterday at a press briefing at the Commission’s headquarters.
The Commissioner said if their work in making sure that the November 17 election is successful, political parties and organizations linked with the activity of election, must help them in making sure that the commission is updated with any information pertaining political parties because if there are any mishap, questions from the public will be first directed to the commission.
He said if democracy must prevail, the national constitution must be respected adding that it is the constitution that clearly upholds the commission mandate, and so all must respect and abide to by what the commission says.
Commissioner Tolla Thompson also highlighted the fact that the commission monitors, supervises, regulates and controls political parties and it is their duty to have information of activities of political parties in order for the commission to make informed decisions on certain issues concerned with political parties.
He categorically states that the commission must be involved or rather informed on activities concerned with political parties, so that there will not be a vacuum in the relationship between the commission and political parties.
Commissioner Tholla Thompson said the mandate of the commission is not only for elections but to also monitor democratic credentials for political parties.
He concluded that when political knowledge is increased, then violence will be minimized and tolerance will increase.
He also warned journalists to stop reporting hate speech, stating that is not good for this country.
Abraham John, Registrar PPRC, while highlighting the commission preparedness for the elections, said the commission has recruited and deployed monitors in flash point areas:Kailahun, Port Loko, Pujehun, Bonthe, Koinadugu and Kambia, adding that the commission has developed monitoring indicators and trained staff on election observation.
He said the commission has embarked on an increased public education through radio and television discussion programmes and jingles, sensitizing the public on campaign and to be law- abiding.
The Registrar said the commission has visited party offices to monitor their working environment and seek their commitment to peaceful elections adding that they have engaged a number of stakeholders including Labour Congress, Youth Organizations for peaceful elections.
By Emmanuella Kallon
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